The "Hitler myth" : image and reality in the Third Reich

Kershaw examines how the deification of 'the Fuhrer' and the Nazi's propaganda machine effectively solidified the Third Reich's hold on German culture from the 1920's to 1945.

"Hitler's personality alone can scarcely explain his immense popularity and political effectiveness during the 1930s and '40s. Behind his strong hold over the German people lay the hopes and perceptions of the millions who adored him and consequently imbued him with larger-than-life characteristics. Based on secret popular opinion reports compiled by both the Nazis and their political enemies, this study of the Nazi state charts the creation, growth, and decline of the "Hitler Myth." Kershaw demonstrates how the manufactured Fuhrer-cult formed a crucial integrating force in the Third Reich and acted as a vital catalyst in attaining Nazi political aims. Translated from German, this book affords readers a chilling look at how these masters of propaganda built on the beliefs, phobias, and predjudices of the day to create a popular image of Hitler that was at great odds with reality."--Publisher description.

摘要：

Focusing on the creation of the "Hitler myth", this book examines how it was successfully propagated. It analyzes why the image of the Fuhrer had an immense hold over the German people and how the Nazis were able to use this politically.再讀一些...

評論

社評

出版商概要

'a book which should be read by everyone interested in the history of 20th-century Europe. Together, Kershaw's two monographs [The Hitler Myth and Popular Opinion and Political Dissent in the Third Reich] provide perhaps the most revealing study available of popular opinion in Nazi Germany.' The Times Higher Education Supplement 'Professor Kershaw's book is not only important for an understanding of the Third Reich, but it underlines the dangers inherent in modern political image-building and in the temptation to succumb to charismatic forms of leadership in times of crisis.' Times Literary Supplement 'Much of what Kershaw has been known for some time ... The value of his present book is that his information is now presented comprehensively and chronologically ... It also encompasses many aspects of the subject not previously known.' History 'Kershaw writes with clarity, imagination and authority.' Catherine Merridale, Journal of European Studies 'a very useful book to have on the shelf, especially for an English-language readership' Michael H. Kater, York University, Toronto, The English Historical Review 'immensely readable study ... The value of his present book is that this information is now presented comprehensively and chronologically from the 1920s through to the dark days of defeat in 1945.' John P. Fox, International Affairs 'Kershaw's is an immensely readable study' John P. Fox, Jewish Chronicle 'based on very detailed research ... As well as adding to our understanding of the rise of Hitler, this book demonstrates the success of techniques for marketing a political image.' Sunday Times 'Kershaw's is an immensely readable study of how the German people and Nazi Germany received and reacted to the "Hitler myth" propagated by the Nazi party.' John P. Fox, Jewish Chronicle 'a brilliant exploration of the success of the Nazi propaganda machine' Keith Brace, Birmingham Post 'outstanding study ... this book will no doubt remain for many years the definitive statement on leader worship in the 'Hitler State" History of European Ideas 'Kershaw's work offers us an excellent scholarly appraisal of political mobilization, highlights the nuances and ambiguities that many scholars struggle to avoid and asks questions concerning political integration, which have been and still are not totally answered. Holocaust and Genocide Studies Thoroughly researched, The Hitler Myth is an erudite work.' Canadian Jewish News再讀一些...

""Hitler's personality alone can scarcely explain his immense popularity and political effectiveness during the 1930s and '40s. Behind his strong hold over the German people lay the hopes and perceptions of the millions who adored him and consequently imbued him with larger-than-life characteristics. Based on secret popular opinion reports compiled by both the Nazis and their political enemies, this study of the Nazi state charts the creation, growth, and decline of the "Hitler Myth." Kershaw demonstrates how the manufactured Fuhrer-cult formed a crucial integrating force in the Third Reich and acted as a vital catalyst in attaining Nazi political aims. Translated from German, this book affords readers a chilling look at how these masters of propaganda built on the beliefs, phobias, and predjudices of the day to create a popular image of Hitler that was at great odds with reality."--Publisher description."@en